Happy Earth Day! Today we celebrate the efforts our fellow humans (including some powerful Californians) have made and are making to help heal our planet and connect us, while we simultaneously consider what we must do to protect our communities as the climate crisis worsens. We begin with a tribute to a man who is given credit for lighting the spark that led to this holiday.
Below, as always, find a carefully curated selection of local news; a short tribute to a local nonprofit, and a tasty recipe.
• Supervisor Responds to Rail Trail Vote Criticism
Following his recent vote against approval of two segments of the Rail Trail, Supervisor Manu Koenig explains his decision.
(04/20/2024) → Lookout Local
• Outdoor Dining Changes Postponed
In its April 18 meeting, the City of Santa Cruz Planning Commission agreed to postpone a decision on rule changes to restaurant outdoor seating for 60 days.
(04/20/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• School District Considers Hosting Farmers Market
The Live Oak School District will consider hosting the farmers market at a school site, but the soonest that would happen is still months away.
(04/18/2024) → Lookout Local
• District Trustee Resigns
Member Pal Garcia resigned from the Live Oak School District governing board.
(04/18/2024) → Lookout Local
• Pilot Street Sweeping Plan Moves Forward
The City of Santa Cruz is set to begin a pilot program of neighborhood street sweeping, including a provision to tow vehicles not complying with posted parking limits.
(04/17/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Capitola Eyes Sales Tax Increase
The Capitola City Council are considering a November ballot item to increase 2016's Measure F sales tax rate from %9 to %9.25.
(04/17/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• Santa Cruz Assistant City Manager to Resign
Laura Schmidt is resigning from her position as assistant city manager for the City of Santa Cruz, effective August, to consult in the private sector.
(04/16/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• May 3rd Small Business Summit Approaches
The Santa Cruz County Small Business Development Center will be hosting the all day Small Business Summit on the Cabrillo College Campus
(04/16/2024) → Lookout Local
• Police Chief Finds No Violation in Cyclist Arrest
An initial review of body cam footage indicated no violations of department policy or the law in the arrest by multiple officers of a lone Black cyclist on the Santa Cruz Westside, according to the police chief.
(04/15/2024) → Lookout Local
• Dune Resilience Project Begins
California State Parks and partner Friends of California State Parks are working together on a project to rehabilitate a number of dunes at Rio Del Mar State Beach to reduce erosion, increase resilience and restore wildlife habitat.
(04/15/2024) → Santa Cruz Sentinel
• UCSC Camper Park Update
An update of meetings held between UCSC staff and Camper Park residents.
(04/15/2024) → City on a Hill
• Newsom Calls Out Republican Abortion Policies in New Ad Running in Alabama
California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s new ad blasts GOP efforts to make it harder for people to leave states with abortion bans and seek treatment elsewhere.
(04/21/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• As Salmon Are Released Into the Klamath River, Tribal Leaders See a 'Symbol of Hope'
California has released 500,000 salmon into the Klamath River. As dams are removed, the fish will be some of the first to return to a free-flowing river.
(04/20/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• A Private Calif. Ranch Holds Important State History — And It Might Be in Danger
Some residents fear development could destroy parts of the historic land.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• After Previously Being Cleared, Three Alameda Police Officers Now Face Manslaughter Charges
The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has charged three East Bay police officers with involuntary manslaughter in the 2021 death of 26-year-old Mario Gonzalez.
(04/19/2024) → SF Gate
• A Plan to Change Your Utility Rates Is Dividing California Environmentalists. Here’s Why
The California Public Utilities Commission will consider on May 9 a new proposal that would change how Californians pay for electricity.
(04/18/2024) → CalMatters
• California Sets Nation’s First Water Standard for Cancer-Causing Contaminant
Water suppliers say the costs will be massive, with rates increasing for many consumers. Known as the “Erin Brockovich” chemical, hexavalent chromium is found statewide.
(04/17/2024) → CalMatters
• Senate Impeachment Trial Begins for Homeland Security Secretary Mayorkas
Alejandro N. Mayorkas, a Cuban immigrant who grew up in California, is the first U.S. Cabinet official impeached in nearly 150 years.
(04/17/2024) → Los Angeles Times
• Paris Hilton Speaks Up for California’s ‘Troubled’ Teens
Heiress Paris Hilton is on a mission to shine a light on the "troubled teen industry," a largely unregulated multibillion-dollar industry that is gaining public scrutiny for alleged abuse of vulnerable youths.
(04/17/2024) → California Healthline
• In San Francisco’s Chinatown, a CEO Works With the Community to Bolster Hospital
Chinese Hospital, located in the heart of this city's legendary Chinatown, struggles with many of the same financial and demographic challenges that plague small independent hospitals in underserved areas across the country.
(04/16/2024) → California Healthline
